AJHS Temporarily Closed

In support of New York City's efforts to contain the spread of the coronavirus, the American Jewish Historical Society will be temporarily closed. The health and safety of The American Jewish Historical Society’s staff and visitors is our top priority, and we are continuing to closely monitor the evolving COVID-19 Situation. During this time all in person events will be cancelled or postponed, and the library and other facilities of the five partner organizations will be closed to the public.

Our building is closed, but our staff, and the stories we work to preserve and share, continue to be here for you. The stories from our archives will continue to be accessible through our online catalogue, new virtual program offerings, and and digital platforms. Please check social media for ongoing updates and virtual offerings.

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Public Tours

Public Tours

Our public programs celebrate the “Society” in American Jewish Historical Society. A historical society is much more than only the keepers of documents and papers that remain in their manuscript boxes. It is our mission to connect the past to the present and make our collections come to life for visitors. In addition to book talks and walking tours, AJHS offers an array of tours for the general public and private groups. From an exclusive look behind the scenes to spirited discussions in Emma's sitting room, these tours provide visitors with a chance to discover and engage with the stories in our collections. See below for a full list of available tours.

Emma's Sitting Room

Begining February of 2020, Every Sunday at 1:00 PM

Step back in time and explore the story of Emma Lazarus, a fifth-generation American Jew caught in an important turning point in American and Jewish History. This weekly tour invites visitors to sit down in a recreation of the sitting room where Emma Lazarus wrote "The New Colossus," and to explore and discuss Emma's words and immerse themselves in the issues of the time.

Into The Stacks

Begining March of 2020, Every Monday at 1:00 PM

Go into the stacks a place visitors rarely get to see! This weekly tour brings a small group of visitors behind the scenes of the oldest Jewish archive in the United States. During this hands on tour, visitors will learn about the archiving process and have the oppotunity to view collections up close. Each week will be a rotating topic such as an exploration of our expansive cookbook collection.

Russ & Daughters: An Appetizing Story

This tour explores how the family, over four generations and 105 years, has balanced innovation with tradition, and has moved beyond the Lower East Side without abandoning the LES culture. Explore the sites, smells, and tastes that have become woven into the culinary fabric of New York City. This tour is a full sensory experience and includes a Russ & Daughter's treat. The tour closes with visitors being invited to contribute their own food story to the AJHS archive.